Joe Russ, a student at Nassau Community College, is the recipient of a 2014-15 Scholar Athlete Award. The award, given by the State University of New York (SUNY), recognizes outstanding academic excellence and athletic achievement.
“By keeping his mind focused and his athletic skills sharp, Joe has not only maximized his potential for his own benefit, he has also made the entire NCC campus proud as it shares in his achievements from the sidelines,” said Dr. Kenneth Saunders, acting president of Nassau Community College.
According to Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher, SUNY chancellor, “The SUNY scholar athletes are some of our most exemplary students, having achieved the highest levels of success not only in class but in their respective sports.” Russ, a member of the wrestling team at NCC, was one of three Nassau students chosen to receive the award.
In order to be considered for a Scholar Athlete Award, student-athletes were nominated by their campus athletic director. Nominees’ academic credentials and athletic accomplishments were then reviewed by a panel of athletic directors from across the SUNY system and members of the SUNY provost’s office.
